Friday, September 17, 2010

Soup's on! Broth, the newest addition to Little Flea, joins us at the corner of 36th and Butler this week, just in time for the onset of hearty food season. Broth's creative duo includes a classically trained chef and an artist + all around creative powerhouse. Meet the two-woman team behind the soups, try a sample, and then pick up a couple of frozen cartons to take home. Two sizes, small and large, will be available. Though the roster changes weekly, and seasonally, flavors on hand this week are Greek Lemon, Chicken Noodle, and two vegetarian options -- White Bean & Kale and Veggie Lentil.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

I was born and raised in Oklahoma City, OK, but transplanted to the 'burgh in July 2005 with my family. My husband William, son Elijah and I live on the Northside, in Brighton Heights, on a little dead end street, with our two cats, Lain and Grey.

I come from a long line of crafty women. My paternal and maternal great-great AND great-grandmothers made every piece of clothing and linens that their families needed, which was a lot, because collectively, the 12 of them had 79 children! Next, came my two grandmothers (who had a much smaller army of only five children to craft for); both were seamstresses too (go figure). I spent a lot of time with my maternal great-grandmothers while I was growing up. Both of them lived on farms and were quilters. They taught me a lot about sewing, being farmers' wives and what it was like to be immigrants. I thought I was just playing and that they were just entertaining me, but they were really setting the stage for me to follow in their quilted and caravaned footsteps. My grandmother made me lots of clothes (as did my mother) when I was a baby and toddler. My grandmother also made me dolls, doll clothes and all of my baton twirling costumes, which I later learned to help with making. I think my mother, though she can sew, wasn't as drawn to the needle and thread like I have become -- she is a crocheter.

When I found out I was pregnant with our son, I decided to buy a sewing machine and make some baby clothes and cloth diapers. I was going to be so productive and not need to buy all of that stuff. I set out with the best of intentions, but realized that it was going to take a whole lot more patience and time than I might be willing to give the project. I did manage to make some stuff, but nothing too impressive and we bought plenty more than expected. Once Elijah was a little older, I set back down at my machine and began to sew. I'd stay up late to sew and get early to sew. I'd try to encourage Elijah to take extra naps and longer naps so I could sew. I became a pro at sewing while balancing a nursing baby on my lap. As I kept sewing, I started to remember what all those wise women had taught me. I began to really make things and to find a certain Peace or Zen in the process.

I don't know when I started selling the things that I was making. I remember giving things to friends and making things for friends, but I can't quite recall when sewing became a business for me. I eventually found Etsy.com and was hooked. Up to that point, everything I was making was all new or new from vintage material. In the last three or four years, I have started to up-cycle and recycle linens, blankets, sweaters and reconstruct second-hand clothing. I find a great deal of Joy in turning pillowcases into sweet little skirts, ties into belts, flannel sheets into cloth diapers, scraps into baby quilts, serger trimmings into pillow stuffing and cutting out hundreds of charming little gnomes to make patches that find their way onto many of my creations. It's therapy -- a creative outlet. And everyone needs some kind of creative outlet. If you don't find something to busy your mind, hands and soul with, you risk unleashing all that energy in other ways -- that can be a bad thing for some people (and for those around them). Or, at least that's how I see it.

My goal is to make someone smile when they wear or use something I've made and for them to know that they're holding a piece made by someone with a history rich with radical, wise and talented women. I secretly hope that I never grow up, but I really do want to learn to play the accordion.

I have a sporadically updated blog and when I'm not flea-ing, I sell stuff online.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

We are so excited to welcome the kick-ass graphic arts co-op Justseeds to the market this Saturday! This is a great chance to check out their awesome work in person and meet some of the folks behind this collective of socially-conscious artists -- whose headquarters, incidentally, are located right here in Lawrenceville! Members Bec Young and Mary Tremonte will be on hand with lots of goodies, among them prints like Meredith Stern's Cooperation Cats, Melanie Cervantes and Jesus Barraza's EZLN Women Laws, and books like Firebrands and Signal. Can't miss this!

ABOUT JUSTSEEDSJustseeds Artists’ Cooperative is a decentralized network of 26 artists committed to making print and design work that reflects a radical social, environmental, and political stance. With members working from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Justseeds operates both as a unified collaboration of similarly minded printmakers and as a loose collection of creative individuals with unique viewpoints and working methods. We believe in the transformative power of personal expression in concert with collective action. To this end, we produce collective portfolios, contribute graphics to grassroots struggles for justice, work collaboratively both in- and outside the co-op, build large sculptural installations in galleries, and wheatpaste on the streets – all while offering each other daily support as allies and friends.

HISTORYFounded in 1998, and originally the graphics distribution project of Josh MacPhee, Justseeds made the transformation into a worker-owned cooperative in 2007 – the original network being largely in place through past collaborations and friendships. In May 2010, Justseeds moved our distribution center from Portland to a new and larger base in Pittsburgh. We operate an online store and wholesale distribution center; an active, multi-voice blog detailing current art and resistance projects around the world; and a small gallery space in our Pittsburgh shipping office that highlights member work.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Little Flea's back this Saturday after taking a short, well-deserved break for Labor Day weekend. Everything changes after Labor Day. School's in, vacation time's over, and it's a reminder that only 8 more market days are left until the market's season closes at the end of October.

We love this time of the year at Little Flea. It's a kind of flea harvest time. All the good stuff begins to surface. It brings back vendors who take a pause during the summer as well as new vendors ready to get rid of their great stuff in time for winter. The mild weather obviously plays a great role here too; the pickers among us can now take our time to really sift through until we find that awesome piece. Make plans for a visit these next few weeks -- you'll be kindly rewarded.

Now's also the perfect time to join the fun by becoming a vendor! All are welcome. Learn more and sign up here.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Istvan is a Do-It-Yourself multi-instrumentalist /singer /songwriter/performer who loves to play music for the sake of playing music. When not playing, he's involved with environmental sustainability and various social justice and outreach programs.
His act incorporates a wide variety of musical styles on various instruments. You’ll hear traces of American roots music, Caribbean, Eastern European, and Indian influences, as well as different folk styles played on guitar, banjo, auto-harp, and sitar.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Here are this week's lists from our quality foods providers: Green Circle Farm and Ola Appetit. What do these folks have in common? A love of food, a passion for the craft, and dedication to sustainable practices. It's all good!

This week, Olafemi is bringing us a Mardi Gras / New Orleans inspired menu

Vegan and traditional Jambalaya w/ sweet corn bread

Deep dish peach cobbler

Fresh squeezed lemonade

Homemade peanut brittle

Ola Appetit (Yoruba for "love" and French for "appetite") offers expertly prepared, artistically presented, ethnic foods. The catering company is headed by Olafemi Mandley whose inspiration is the love of food and the sharing of food. Food is served in biodegradable containers!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

A follow-up to a post published in July in which we shared with you news of Victoria Hruska's appearance in a documentary series on her beloved city of Braddock. Episode 3, titled "Old Timers", takes us into Victoria's beautiful home where we get to see her workspace and hear a few of her wise words. Take a look! (Find to Victoria, starting at 3:04)

We Are All Workers tells the story of Braddock then and now (with emphasis in the now), and includes the voice of native residents and a new generation of urban pioneers, led by Mayor John Fetterman, who are intent on bringing the city back. The film, produced in collaboration with Sundance and IFC, is part of a campaign by garment giant Levi's, who sponsored several city projects.

A favorite of the Little Flea community, Victoria will be joining us again this Saturday. Come meet her and get your hands on some of her wonderful eco-friendly creations.

Friday, August 6, 2010

We are proud to welcome to the market Uncle Eddie and Robin, a dynamic musical duo from West Virgina with a taste of the old and a flair for the new. Rooted in the folk music traditions of the Appalachian region, this husband and wife team delivers their stunning vocals and tight harmonies on songs that pack a punch. Their musical chemistry is undeniable and their sound is unmistakable.

Ed “Uncle Eddie” Mahonen -- “banjo player, raconteur, and all around Old Dude” -- is an icon in the Appalachian music scene. His wildly imaginative banjo playing, silky vocals, and intelligent, witty songwriting make him a joy to listen to. His style incorporates elements of bluegrass and folk, which he has shaped into a unique and original blend which he terms, “plunk rock”. Robin brings her born and bred talent as a jazz musician and her deep understanding of pathos and the human condition to her every note she sings

Come see them perform traditional songs, originals, and a variety of music taken from select genres, including jazz, punk rock, classic rock, country, and others.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

This Saturday marks the 1-year anniversary of Little Flea. Thanks to the support of Lawrenceville residents and visitors, what began as a happening orchestrated by no more than eight vendors (see image below), has slowly turned into a weekly neighborhood marketplace "featuring a rotating variety of flea, craft, food and cultural entertainment."

THEN

The first edition of the Little Flea achieved its main purpose - and then some. This past Saturday, a group of intrepid vendors - the pioneers - set out to spend the day in a sun-drenched parking lot at the corner of 36th and Butler determined to sell their individual collections of stuff (for a lack of a better word) and have a good time while at it. -- From an August 2009 blog post.

NOW

Today Little Flea is still a fledgling market, each week trying to become better at we do and better known to our community. What do we do exactly? Well, the market is known for its quality goods and quality people, a space made to fit and reflect our eclectic, diverse neighborhood.

Little Flea hopes to contribute to the sustainability of our community by providing a space for local vendors, artists, and neighbors to gather and share, as well as to serve as a modest economic catalyst for entrepreneurs and our growing business district at large. Environmental sustainability is also at the core of the flea market, as it actively engages in the recycling of goods and attracts vendors who, in one way or another, trade environmentally-friendly goods or use repurposed materials for their products. In fact, the 2010 season is dedicated to "the story of stuff", a call to reflect on the deeply impacting relationship we all share with the things we consume.

This year also saw the introduction of the Cultural Corner and Community Table, two great additions that have significantly transformed the flea market into what some have described as a kind of neighborhood square.

Here's a quick look back at the first Little Flea through the eyes of Pittsburgh filmmaker and Little Flea vendor, Carl Cimini. The video features happy shoppers, some kickass flea finds, and a few of the first crop of pioneer vendors who have now become familiar faces. Soundtrack "provided" by the inimitable Miriam Makeba, singing our adopted anthem - "The Naughty Little Flea". Carl captured what we all know the Little Flea to be: a little place to experience community - where you can chat at length, make new friends or meet old ones, trade or buy (un)wanted treasures - and it is also an invitation to (re)discover what the rest of our dear neighborhood has to offer - not only the shops but the residents who make Lawrenceville a great place to visit and live. -- From an August 2009 blog post.

Thank you all for making Little Flea a better market. The 2010 season ain't over yet, so come on out and share with us. We hope to see you this Saturday!

P.S. Carl Cimini is regular vendor at the market, where he sells Pasta Domenica, his own artisanal brand of authentic Italian pasta.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Can't tell you how excited we are to have Action Camp at Little Flea this Saturday! They'll play at our little Cultural Corner for a full hour starting at 12 p.m. They are generally described as sounding "like the soundtrack of a David Lynch movie, only catchier," or better yet as "Post-Pop with roots in Surf, Electro, and Classical composition. It can be quiet then loud, slow then fast, live then electronic, but it's always drenched in reverb." By any definition, this duo is simply awesome. Don't miss this show!

Action Camp was originally formed in 2006 after a chance meeting of an unlikely pair. A classically trained, folk-rooted girl met an electro-minded punk boy while both toiling in the food-industry and a relationship akin to a well-weathered marriage began. A shared love of 50's doo-wop, dark pop music, and David Lynch movies is the glue that binds them and also the basis for their eclectic sound.

After playing in the Boston scene for 3 years and going through a few line-up changes, founding members Bengt Alexsander and Maura Jacob decided to relocate to Jacob's hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. Action Camp has since become an ever-evolving entity, incorporating both live and electronic instruments, a flare for the dramatic, and an intimate live show that welcomes audience participation. They invite you to escape from the everyday mundane into the surreal, where “female vocals waft like ground fog above an ancient forest floor [and] a bizarre sense of darker monster surf music slithers in the eardrums” (The Noise Boston).

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

We're happy to announce that as of this coming Saturday, July 31 the new market hours will be 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. These new set of hours are a better fit for market shoppers and vendors now that we've reached mid-season. Little changes (sometimes) make all the difference.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Green Circle Farm introduced organic produce last week at Little Flea and it was a hit! We're happy to tell you that this Saturday there'll be more delicious organic goodness for your table. So, here's the long-awaited "list" from farmer Erika Peterson. Come and get it!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

A skillful glass artist, Shernise Allen creates beautiful, whimsical fused glass artwork, accessories and jewelry. Come meet her at Little Flea this Saturday. But first, learn about her approach to the craft, her work and her inspiration -- in her own words.

"The paradox fascinated me. Glass is a solid with the properties of a liquid. At room temperature it’s “frozen”. When heated, it becomes fluid.

Fusing glass involves heating it in a kiln to high temperatures typically over an 18 – 24 hour period. This process releases the fluid nature of the glass. The glass itself comes in a variety of colors and forms: powders, flat sheets with and without texture, dichroic or iridescent coatings (to reflect light), chips and shards (confetti), strings, noodles, rods. Certain metals (gold, silver, to some extent aluminum) and minerals (like mica) can withstand these high temperatures and can be infused into my glass creations.

I love working with glass because of the way the colors and textures interact with light. My inspiration comes mostly from abstract artists like Kandinsky, stained glass in cathedrals and from nature. Yet I have also found inspiration from a magazine picture, people’s clothing or even a greeting card picture. Said simply: life inspires me.

My pieces often take 4-5 firings. A variety of elements must be fired separately at different temperatures. The elements are then combined and fired one last time to complete and assemble the finished piece. Deciding how best to display the glass becomes the next challenge. Sometimes I know how I want to display the glass and that can shape my design and color choices.

If you look at my work and smile or giggle, you have caught my dual message. There is always beauty to be found in life; and we should keep our sense of humor. Hopefully each time you view one of my pieces you will find something new and wonderful to reflect upon and enjoy because that is how I approach life."

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Each week we feature a small selection of our great vendors. Here's a sneak peek at who and what will be waiting for you this Saturday at Little Flea.

Lawrenceville resident Susan Banahasky returns this week with her great collection of household goods, antiques and collectibles.

Green Circle Farm had a fantastic reception on their first appearance at the market last week. This week, farmer Erika Peterson will be bringing organic chicken and beef -- and organic produce from Clarion River Organics! (Green Circle Farm produces naturally pastured, soy-free, GMO-free, uncertified organic meats and eggs.)

A favorite with shoppers, Prosper Ayimbota will have on display his own handmade Ghanaian djembe drums, masks and woodcarvings. His pieces were crafted at his workshop at the National Culture Center in Accra, Ghana.

Meet Shernise Allen who will have several of her beautiful, whimsical fused glass artwork and jewelry. "If you look at my work and smile or giggle, you have caught my dual message. There is always beauty to be found in life; and we should keep our sense of humor." More on Shernise and her work next week.

Back in May, we told you about Victoria Hruska's contribution to a documentary series on her beloved city of Braddock. Well, here's the first episode, and in it we get to see Victoria's home and hear a few of her wise words. Take a look!

We Are All Workers tells the story of Braddock then and now (with emphasis in the now), and includes the voice of native residents and a new generation of urban pioneers, led by Mayor John Fetterman, who are intent on bringing the city back. The film, produced in collaboration with Sundance and IFC, is part of a campaign by garment giant Levi's, who sponsored several city projects.

A favorite of the Little Flea community, Victoria will be joining us again this Saturday. Come meet her and get your hands on some of her wonderful eco-friendly creations.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Little Flea is back at it again! Here's the Cultural Corner line-up for Saturday, July 10. You're all invited to come enjoy and support some great local talent.

12 p.m. - April Louise Childers

April Louise Childers is a violinist, born and raised in Wheeling, WV. She has played with several orchestras and is currently a member of the Washington Symphony Orchestra in Washington, PA.

In addition to performing classical music with the WSO and as a solo artist, she recently began experimenting with an electric violin and is now performing a variety of other genres including soft rock, pop, jazz, gospel, and Christian contemporary. This has proved to be an exciting venture and has broadened her musical repertoire immensely. Audiences become instant fans of the haunting sound of this relatively obscure instrument. While the delicate sound of the violin has endured as a favorite in classical music for centuries, the combination of the electric violin and modern songs add a sense of freshness and innovation which allows present-day audiences to thoroughly enjoy songs they know and fall in love with the sound of the violin anew.
More info:MySpace | Facebook | april_louise_childers@yahoo.com

1 p.m. - Uke and Tuba

Uke & Tuba are Pittsburgh's finest ukulele/tuba duo (with dancers). And they openly welcome all challengers to this title. Uke & Tuba have performed their trademark blend of cabaret, performance art and punk rock everywhere from rock shows to a library, from house parties to Andy Warhol's grave, and from a wedding to a Girl Scouts day camp. They look forward to adding "flea market" to their long list of venues played (their last two attempts were rained out).

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Little Flea season is well under way. Each Saturday unravels fascinating stories concocted by neighbors, artists and vendors as we mingle together for short moments or hours. Stories you just have to experience for yourself. The story of stuff -- too complex to tell straight in this medium. The last few weeks we've seen sweltering days, rainy days, and quite comfortable, balmy days. We've seen a disco ball (purchased at the market) rolling down Butler St. and witnessed an enormous, magical swarm of bees, swoop down on us, exiting as elegantly and swiftly as it had appeared. We've welcomed new vendors who were once visitors and visitors who'd just the week before were vendors, who sold out of stuff to sell but just can't stay away. We've listened to music as diverse as our neighborhood, played by astonishingly talented people who just feel like sharing it with the community. Can't say we're not enjoying ourselves. Come visit and stay awhile.

The following are a few snapshots from the last few weeks. For more, check out the photo album for a brief look at the latest editions of Little Flea.

At Chris's spot, the infamous disco ball before it was rolled away by it's new owner.

Alex Lindsay Roth. Remember that name. This 13 year-old left everyone stunned with her unbelievable voice and repertoire. Listening to her sing Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah was truly memorable.

Ken, a glass expert and collector, taking a break at his tent.

Paper art and cards by Kathryn Carr of Go Carr Go.

Werner painstakingly assembles a paper vessel from one of his awesome, authentic 1960's German kits.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Every Saturday, Little Flea celebrates the independent spirit -- and this weekend is like no other. Come join us if you're (un)lucky enough to be stuck in the city. You never know what happy moments and treasures you will encounter!

The most fun part about the disco ball was watching the new owner try to get it to his car which involved hauling it in a little red wagon after the attempt to roll it failed. -- Tam Barker of Barker's Herbs and Heirlooms

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

12 p.m. - The New Tourists
Rather than hang back and observe from a distance, The New Tourists approach their forays into the musical universe with enthusiasm, respect, humility and gratitude. With Brian on guitar and banjo, Jeanne on mandolin, Jenny on ukulele and Gary on guitar, The New Tourists mix traditional string band and folk sounds with updated arrangements and social and ecological conscience. Their music is the travelogue of their journey, always changing, full of wonder, and played with fully engaged minds, hands, voices and hearts.

1 p.m. - Duo Capriccio
Classical ensemble consisting of violin and keyboard. Repertoire includes music from Vivaldi,
Mozart, Beethoven, and other great composers.

2 p.m. - Mo Nelson
Mo Nelson is an Americana, Alt-country, Acoustic Rock original that is second to none. With powerful original songs, spirited covers and an upbeat style, it´s easy to see why crowds keep begging for Mo.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Perfect warm flea market weather awaits us tomorrow, and, as we do every week, we got an awesome gang of vendors bringing you the right stuff. (Plus, starting at noon, top-notch local talent will be on hand to provide the sweetest soundtrack a flea market ever had.) Here's a sneak peek at who and what's coming this Saturday.

Kathyn Carr from Go Carr Go makes intricate, sought-after paper cut art work that's delightfully whimsical. She sells the originals, but also uses the images to make greeting cards, prints, and some jewelry.

Take your time at Rebecca's tables chuck full of hard-to-find collectibles and household items.

About

Little Flea is a neighborhood marketplace featuring a rotating variety of flea, craft and food. Located in Lawrenceville, Little Flea aims to contribute to the sustainability of our community by providing a venue for local vendors and neighbors to gather and share.